SKY: From hitting a post-referendum peak of $1.4376 on 17 April, the pound has hit the skids on the foreign exchange markets, plunging earlier today to $1.2840 – a level not seen since 25 August last year – before recovering slightly.… Be Informed

William Hague (former foreign secretary and a former leader of the Conservative Party) writes on The Telegraph that last week has seen the most concerted British diplomatic push with our French neighbours in many years. Days after the new Foreign Secretary raced straight to Paris from his trip to China, the Prime Minister cut short her holiday to visit President Macron at his summer retreat.… Be Informed

The main story remains the powerful explosion which took place in Bologna on Monday afternoon. 2 people died and 67 were injured after the deadly explosion. A number of cars were involved in this incident which also caused the collapse of the road where it happened.

A no-deal Brexit poses a substantial risk to public safety, with police officers instantly losing vital access to cross-border investigative powers and databases, the home secretary has been told in a damning letter from the national body of police and crime commissioners.… Be Informed

As expected the death of Shannon Mak is the lead story on Malta’s Newspapers. Various happenings take different priorities around the world. As we go through 40 major international and local news portals, your Morning Briefing provides you with the salient news as reported in Malta, Europe and the World.… Be Informed

Mark Carney has warned that the possibility of a no-deal Brexit is “uncomfortably high” and will lead to higher prices.

The Bank of England governor said both the UK and EU should “do all things to avoid” a no-deal scenario. He added that the banks had done the “stockpiling” and the country’s financial system was in a position to be able to withstand a shock that could result from the UK leaving the EU without an agreement.… Be Informed

Both the Times and The Malta Independent refer to the S&P credit rating on the banking system. Respected credit ratings agency Standard and Poors has highlighted increased reputational and operational risks for Malta’s banking sector, moving its risk score up two notches on its 10point scale.

The Guardian reports that media reports that Germany is willing to offer Theresa May a vague Brexit deal so as to prevent the UK crashing out of the EU with no deal have set alarm bells ringing in the Remain campaign in the UK and prompted denials from German sources.… Be Informed

The Guardian : 150 constituency Labour parties (CLPs) have been considering mounting a challenge to Jeremy Corbyn’s Brexit policy at conference this autumn, with an apparent rise in support for a referendum on a final deal among some of his key allies.… Be Informed

The FT reports that the EU’s chief negotiator has softened his opposition to Theresa May’s post-Brexit plan for London’s financial services industry after UK negotiators acknowledged Brussels would have ultimate control over the City’s access to European markets. London’s future as a global financial centre is tied to its ability to serve as a gateway to Europe for international banks, and UK negotiators had originally hoped they would be able to secure a special arrangement with Brussels to retain access even as Britain began to set up its own regulatory regime.… Be Informed

With every news cycle, a number of events take place. Your media briefing is intended to present you a snapshot of the main events of the past 24 hours through a review of over 30 news portals and agencies from Malta, Mediterranean, Europe and the rest of the world.… Be Informed

The Guardian reports that UK negotiators have told their counterparts in Brussels that about 7,000 European-based investment funds that rely on British clients for their cash and profits will be hit by regulators unless the EU changes its position on the City of London after Brexit.… Be Informed

ITV reports that Downing Street has insisted the Government is engaged in “good planning” and taking “sensible precautions” in case there is a no-deal Brexit.

Asked if Theresa May would continue to lead the country if her negotiations fail and the UK is plunged into a no-deal scenario, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said she is “fully committed to delivering on the will of the British people”.… Be Informed

Sunday Times Sky News: The army is on standby to help deliver food, medicines and fuels if there are shortages in the wake of a “no deal” Brexit, it has been reported.

Plans for the armed forces to help civilian authorities in the event of civil emergencies have been dusted off as part of contingency preparations for Britain leaving the EU without an agreement, according to Sunday Times.… Be Informed

The Guardian / BBC reports that Michel Barnier has warned that attempts to appeal to EU leaders over his head were a waste of time, as he tore up Theresa May’s proposals on customs after Brexit, in effect killing off the Chequers plan.… Be Informed